47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
67
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Pittsburgh wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Pittsburgh wins 1–3 overall (67/100)
💰 Pittsburgh is more affordable
💼 Pittsburgh has lower unemployment
🛡️ Pittsburgh has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Pittsburgh — The Verdict
Pittsburgh scores 67/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Pittsburgh has a clear edge with home prices 79% lower. Pittsburgh has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.2%. For safety-conscious movers, Pittsburgh has a notably lower disaster history with 49 fewer declarations in 20 years. Pittsburgh may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Pittsburgh are 79% lower — a difference of $650,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Pittsburgh saves you $638/month — that's $7,656 per year.
💵
Households in Los Angeles earn $16,057 more per year (27% higher median income).
📊
Pittsburgh has a 1.3 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Pittsburgh has experienced 49 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$171,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,153
Median Income
$76,244
$60,187
The affordability gap is significant — Pittsburgh offers home prices 79% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $650,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
4.2%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Pittsburgh having a slight edge at 4.2% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
78 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
5
Pittsburgh has a markedly lower disaster history — 49 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Pittsburgh is more affordable overall. Home prices are $650,800 lower in Pittsburgh. Monthly rent is $1,153 in Pittsburgh vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Pittsburgh have better weather?
Pittsburgh scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Pittsburgh better for finding a job?
Pittsburgh currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 4.2% in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $60,187 in Pittsburgh.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Pittsburgh?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Pittsburgh is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 5 in Pittsburgh. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Pittsburgh.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh?
Based on our data, Pittsburgh scores 67.0/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Pittsburgh is more affordable, while Pittsburgh has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.